§ 27. Mr. MANDERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the willingness of the United States Government to enter into negotiations 1491 for a bilateral treaty for the mutual reduction of tariffs with this country, he will state the attitude of the British Government?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANAs I have previously informed the House, informal exchanges have taken place from time to time with a view to ascertaining whether a basis exists for trade negotiations between the United Kingdom and the United States of America. These exchanges have been of a purely informal and exploratory nature and no proposal to open negotiations has been made or received.
§ Mr. MANDERIn view of the known willingness of the United States Government to enter into such bilateral treaties, are the British Government prepared to act in a similar spirit on their side?
§ Mr. H. G. WILLIAMSDid the right hon. Gentleman draw the attention of the United States Government to the fact that we buy from them four times as much as they buy from us?
§ Mr. MANDERWill the right hon. Gentleman answer my question? Are the Government willing to enter into negotiations with the United States Government for a mutual reduction of tariffs?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am not prepared to add to the answer which I have already given.
§ Mr. MANDERYou are not willing to do so.
§ Sir PERCY HARRISWill the right hon. Gentleman take the initiative in the interests of our trade and of world trade in general, if we are to understand that it is the policy of the Government to encourage world trade?
§ Mr. MANDERIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.
§ 31. Mr. SHINWELLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government contemplate any immediate action to effect a modification of international tariffs, quotas, and other restrictions on international trade?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 12th November by my right hon. Friend the 1492 Chancellor of the Exchequer to similar questions asked by the hon. Member for Birkenhead East (Mr. White) and the hon. Member for Pontypool (Mr. Jenkins).
§ Mr. SHINWELLHow does the right hon. Gentleman expect that he is going to effect a substantial modification in international tariff policy by the methods at present being employed by the Government?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThey are the only methods which are likely to be successful.
§ Mr. BOOTHBYIs it not the fact that the Government of the United States have given every indication that they would be glad to negotiate for a financial and commercial agreement with this country; and is there any reason why this country should not take advantage of such an offer, if it were made?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI have already answered a question upon that very subject this afternoon.
§ Mr. PALINGDoes not that answer say that you are prepared to do nothing with the United States?